Heritance Kandalama

Sri Lanka’s most famous architect, Geoffrey Bawa, designed iconic residential houses, public buildings and striking hotels across the island. Dedicated Bawa aficionados will be thrilled not only to visit Sri Lanka's Parliament Building and the Ruhuna University Campus, but to spend the night in intimate boutique boltholes and spectacular hotels which reflect the architect’s tropical modernist style.

If you choose to stop at just one Bawa-designed property, his private country retreat — Lunuganga — is dazzling. Travellers to Colombo will find Number 11, the architect’s city pad, also well worth visiting. Both host regular tours, and have been carefully preserved by the Geoffrey Bawa Trust since the architect’s death in 2003.

To truly immerse yourself in the brilliance of Bawa, however, you can plan an entire itinerary around his creations, venturing from the city up to Sigiriya, before making your way along the south and west coasts. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, or with friends and family, Geoffrey Bawa’s designs are a wonderful way to glimpse Sri Lanka’s creativity — particularly as many showcase the work of fellow artists and craftspeople.

For an Urban Bolthole

De Saram House

  • De Saram House by Geoffrey Bawa is hidden on a leafy lane in Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo’s most upmarket neighbourhood. Built in the 1980s as a private home, the house has characterful guest rooms with terracotta or polished concrete floors, wooden antiques and handwoven textiles. Intimate and tranquil, now a small boutique hotel.

For a Beach Break

The Villa Bentota

  • The Villa Bentota was once owned by Bawa himself. Originally built as a private home, this 14-bedroom hotel is now managed by the team behind the iconic Kahanda Kanda, and sits just across the railway tracks from Bentota Beach. Expect two swimming pools, chic guest rooms with block printed textiles and an airy seaside feel, accompanied by top-notch service. Elegant and grown-up, this is a popular venue for celebrations. 
  • Club Villa Bentota, neighbouring The Villa, was designed in part by Geoffrey Bawa. Relaxed and friendly, this bright beachfront hotel has a refreshing pool, well-stocked games room and flexible spaces for families. Colourful, laid-back and charming. 
  • The Last House, on the golden sands of Mawella Beach near Tangalle, has a playful feel with its ochre yellow exterior and bright blue doors and windows. Breezy guest rooms feature antique furnishings, handloom fabrics and exposed beams. Book the whole villa if travelling as a bigger group, and enjoy yoga classes, Ayurvedic massages or rambles along the beach. Architecture aficionados will love the Geoffrey Bawa connection. 

For a Rural Retreat

Lunuganga

  • Lunuganga was once Geoffrey Bawa’s verdant lakeside retreat. Hugely romantic, this is the ideal escape for couples looking to unwind within gorgeous gardens. Kick back in one of ten scattered rooms and suites, take guided garden tours, and feast at the lake-facing restaurant. Enormously charming. 
  • Heritance Kandalama, a stunning modernist hotel, promises fantastic views towards Sigiriya. Expect a spoiling spa, whirlpool baths, a games room and tennis court, along with multiple bars and eateries. A luxurious choice for fans of Bawa's architecture, with a spectacular façade covered in lush vegetation. 

For a Family-Friendly Resort

Cinnamon Bentota Beach

  • Cinnamon Bentota Beach is another family favourite, with 177 guest rooms facing the Bentota River. Created by Bawa in the 1960s, the hotel features sculptures by Laki Senanayake and batik ceilings by designers Ena de Silva and Barbara Sansoni. A recent restoration has returned the hotel to its original glory, and multiple pools, a kids' games room, spa and eateries await. 
  • Jetwing Lighthouse overlooking craggy rocks and charming Galle Fort, definitely delivers when it comes to a dramatic location. Many of the 85 rooms have dazzling sea views, plus there's a tennis court, two pools, multiple dining options and a soothing spa. Ideal for families or couples, as well as art lovers who can admire Laki Senanayake's superb staircase — an iconic collaboration between Geoffrey Bawa and one of the island's most-loved artists. 

Still Not Sure? 

8 Geoffrey Bawa-Designed Hotels in Sri Lanka

Lunuganga

Bentota (Sri Lanka)

Set within 15 acres of landscaped gardens, Lunuganga was once the country retreat of acclaimed architect Geoffrey Bawa. Now a small hotel, this boutique property features antique furnishings, an eclectic art collection and beautiful airy spaces. Feast on Sri Lankan cuisine after guided garden tours.

  • Country Escape - Savour the seclusion of this gorgeous rural retreat, with stunning wild gardens created by Geoffrey Bawa & his team
  • Great walks - Guided tours of the gardens run three times each day, and offer a fascinating insight into Bawa's life and work
  • Birdwatching - The 15 acres of gardens are filled with birds and butterflies, perfect for keen wildlife enthusiasts
  • Honeymoons - An iconic retreat with characterful suites for honeymooners looking to hide away together
from £220 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Heritance Kandalama

Dambulla (Sri Lanka)

Stunning, modernist hotel overlooking Kandalama Reservoir. Designed by Geoffrey Bawa, rooms enjoy mod-cons, whirlpool baths & private balconies. Boasting a Six Senses Spa, unique cave dining experiences and plenty of on site activities: wellness enthusiasts, couples and families alike will love it.

  • Birdwatching - With 233 resident bird species, birdwatchers with adore jungle treks or boat trips with the hotel's naturalists
  • Romantic Break - An iconic design hotel, created by architect Geoffrey Bawa & offering a soothing spa & romantic private dining
  • Spa breaks - The acclaimed Coco Spa offering rejuvenating treatments using organic ingredients & age-old techniques
  • Cycling - Bikes are available for guests to explore the Kandalama Reservoir
from £188 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Club Villa

Bentota (Sri Lanka)

Nestled amidst coconut plantations this seventeen bedroomed Dutch villa, designed by renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, feels like a home away from home. Moments away from the beach, with an inviting outdoor pool it is great for families and romantics. Evening al fresco meals are an utter treat.

  • Beach Life - Just across the railway tracks from the golden sands of Bentota beach, perfect for long walks and swims
  • Safari - Madu River Safaris offer a wonderful chance to see birds & butterflies amongst the lush mangroves
  • Families - Fully stocked games room, family rooms and friendly staff make this a great family choice
  • Watersports - Water-skiing and wind surfing are popular on Bentota Lake
from £265 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Jetwing Lighthouse

Galle (Sri Lanka)

A chic design hotel, blending clean lines with characterful quirks. Bedrooms are light and bright with large bathrooms. There are hotel activities aplenty, from tennis to cooking classes, making it great for the whole family. Interiors make the most of unspoilt sea views.

  • Sights nearby - Take a 10-minute ride to gorgeous Galle Fort, a walled town brimming with boutiques, eateries & heritage landmarks
  • Tennis - Play a game of tennis at one of the only hotel courts in the south of the island - and an impressive one at that
  • Beach Life - A striking coastal hotel promising beautiful sunsets, set just minutes from Galle Fort and some superb beaches
  • Families - With plenty of on-site activities as well as babysitting services, this property is great for all ages
from £161 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
The Last House

Tangalle

Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa's final creation The Last House provides an iconic and stylish stay. Think colourful interiors, plenty of antiques, exposed beams and roll-top baths: a perfect mix of old and new. Meals are served al fresco and (bar breakfast) are arranged on request. Superb.

  • Families - Children are well looked after and there is a three bedroom suite ideal for families
  • Architectural - Famed architect Geoffrey Bawa’s final creation - an iconic stay
  • Local markets - A tuk-tuk tour of the sleepy fishing town of Tangalle
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
from £142 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
The Villa Bentota

Bentota (Sri Lanka)

Beautifully indulgent — an architecture buff’s inside-outside tropical paradise. Highlights include two refreshing pools, slick service and gorgeous grown-up spaces to chill out. The rooms have warm blue or green tones, polished-concrete bathrooms with rain showers and charming original features.

  • Romantic Break - Romantic guest rooms will delight couples, who can lounge by the pool, enjoy rejuvenating massages & sip craft cocktails
  • Beach Life - A chic little hotel just steps from the golden sands of Bentota beach, close to jet skiing and kayaking opportunities
  • Local markets - Rise early to join lively crowds at the fish market in town — or see fishermen hauling in their nets at sunrise
  • Great walks - Visit architect Geoffrey Bawa’s country estate, Lunuganga for a tour of the glorious gardens
from £154 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
De Saram House by Geoffrey Bawa

Colombo (Cinnamon Gardens)

Brimming with his iconic style, De Saram House was created by acclaimed Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa in the 1980s. Characterful guest rooms & cosy nooks with terracotta or polished concrete floors feature handloom textiles, wooden antiques & views to landscaped gardens. A design-led haven.

  • Architectural - Designed by acclaimed Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, famed for his tropical modernist style & revamped by Amila de Mel
  • Local exploring - A beautiful Bawa-designed hotel in upmarket Cinnamon Gardens, close to boutiques, galleries, cafes & restaurants
  • Romantic Break - A romantic, adults-only spot for fans of modernist architecture & interiors, with private spaces galore
  • Local markets - The Saturday Good Market, on the edge of Colombo Racecourse, is brilliant for crafts, clothing & organic snacks
from £78 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Cinnamon Bentota Beach

Bentota (Sri Lanka)

A recently restored Bentota Beach icon, this hotel was designed by architect Geoffrey Bawa in the 1960s. Beautiful batik ceilings, warm orange handloom fabrics, and impressive art pieces characterise airy spaces. Flowering frangipani frame multiple pools. The restaurants & facilities are excellent.

  • Active Holiday - A landmark hotel showcasing Sri Lankan craft & boasting activities for all ages including water sports, cookery & art workshops
  • Families - A family friendly favourite, with spacious suites, mulptile pools, water sports & an indoor kids' play area
  • Sights nearby - Don't miss visiting Lunuganga, Geoffrey Bawa's stunning country residence, just 20 minutes away
  • Landmark - An iconic hotel, which has attracted local and international visitors for over 40 years
from £247 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Written by Saskia Walker

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.